Senior Programme Manager

Senior Programme & Policy

Overview

Lead and manage the localized humanitarian action programme in Myanmar

You have:

• An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) is required.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant working experience is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation is required.
• Solid experience managing programmes at a strategic level with financial oversight is desirable.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Myanmar

Myanmar is one of UNOPS leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for some of the largest development programmes in the country, including the Access to Health Fund and the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT). In addition, UNOPS Myanmar is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Myanmar and Cambodia, and for the Global Fund Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS Myanmar plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Localized Humanitarian Action in Myanmar Programme (LHAMP, formerly called MHAP) is a new humanitarian Fund at MMCO funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the UK. The objective of the LHAMP is to provide prioritized assistance and protection for highly vulnerable people such as IDPs and refugees, in the most conflict affected areas through national and civil society organizations. LHAMP will support those most in need in the worst conflict affected areas, currently in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine States and Sagaing Region.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Country Director (CD), the Senior Programme Manager will provide leadership, strategic direction and promote best practice in the performance and delivery of this innovative and challenging programme. The Senior Programme Manager leads the LHAMP programme team which includes professionals in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), grants, programme management and support. The Senior Programme Manager works closely with the LHAMP Steering Committee, in coordination with key external actors and with other UNOPS funds, and with the support of the UNOPS Myanmar Programme Management Office.

Summary of Key Functions

1. Stakeholder management
2. Programme management
3. Procedures
4. Monitoring and reporting
5. Knowledge sharing and knowledge building
6. Personnel management and leadership

1. Stakeholder Management - Establish a solid working relationship with the Programme Steering Group, current and potential partners and key stakeholders. - Manage the fund’s communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of LHAMP’s activities, progress, exceptions. - Advise partners on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes. - Manage the information flows between the Steering Group and the UNOPS team dedicated to the Programme. - Represent LHAMP and UNOPS at external events and meetings, with the guidance and support of the CD as necessary.

2. Programme management - Under the guidance of the Steering Committee, oversee the development of the LHAMP fund, the programme and projects partnerships and the delivery of activities and results. - Ensure the establishment of a framework for monitoring, learning, evidence and knowledge management and a clear contribute to the localization of humanitarian assistance in Myanmar - Ensure the Steering Committee is informed and able to make decisions and corrective actions where necessary related to project selection, budget, cash flow, expenditure - Identify and manage risks, ensure risk mitigation plans are updated and communicated, and take corrective action as needed. - Ensuring principles of human rights, conflict sensitivity, gender equity, accountability, ‘do no harm’ and aid effectiveness in all activities associated with the programme. - With the support of other dedicated and related UNOPS MMCO units, manage the programme to ensure delivery of the programme’s outcome and outputs, taking responsibility for the performance and use of resources in the areas of finance (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), programmatic/administrative (including audit results) and procurement operations. Initiate corrective actions where necessary - Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to clients and stakeholders is achieved. - Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers from a fiduciary and contract management perspective. - Monitor progress of the programme at a strategic level and ensure periodic progress and updates are made to the Steering Group.

3. Procedures - Ensure compliance with UNOPS organizational policy. - On behalf of UNOPS, contribute to the development of the Annual Work Plan for approval by the Steering Group. - Ensure all reporting requirements as per legal agreement as well as ensuring internal UNOPS rules are met. - Maintain critical programme records/documents on the UNOPS Google Shared Drive (online audit/record retention folder). - Supervise a team that manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors, grantees/ implementing partners and personnel are received on time. - Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports). - Ensure appropriate measures have been documented in a Closure Plan to facilitate the transition of operations in the final stage of delivery.

4. Monitoring and reporting - Put in place and continuously implement solid reporting mechanisms in the programme on a regular basis against set targets and indicators. - Prepare and issue regular reports in accordance with the funding partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting. - Regularly review programme status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality). - Maintain progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures. - Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data. - Ensure all team members track and regularly update milestones and targets. Coordinate quality reviews of programme documents and deliverables.

5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing - Establishment of a framework for monitoring, learning, evidence and knowledge management to contribute to the localization approach in Myanmar. - Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, lessons learned, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results. - Support UNOPS Myanmar’s efforts in becoming a center of excellence for Fund management.

6. Personnel management and leadership - Supervise the team, promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the programme team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently. - Ensure principles of human rights, gender equity, peace, voice and accountability, ‘do no harm’ and aid effectiveness in all activities. - Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments. - Continuous assessment of the performance and effectiveness of the programme implementation, recommending changes and/or corrective actions in the team structure and/or financial operations to enhance and maintain effectiveness in the changing environment.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) is required. Specialism is not strictly required, but likely in law, human rights, social sciences, international development, business administration, public administration, international relations, public/basic services. multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary studies etc,
• A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with 2 additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A project management certification such as PRINCE2® or MSP® or PMP® is an asset.

b. Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant working experience is required. Out of these 7 years,

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation, recovery and livelihoods, humanitarian/emergency response or humanitarian-development- or related areas is required.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience managing bilateral/multilateral donors government relations, preferably for an international organization is required.
• Experience working in conflict-affected and highly political contexts is highly desirable.
• Solid experience managing programmes at a strategic level with financial oversight is desirable.
• Solid practical experience in working with the UN, donors, non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society is required.
• Proven track record of humanitarian programming and/or context analysis in a fragile state(s) and complex/protracted crisis is desirable.
• Working experience and knowledge in Myanmar conflict affected areas is a strong asset. Previous experience in South and/or South-East Asia is also an asset.
• Knowledge of aid architecture is essential with previous experience working in Grants Management is desirable.
• Solid experience of managing, or having worked in a senior position with a large multi-donor fund or programme is desirable.

c. Language requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: International ICA Specialist/ IICA-3 / ICS-11 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org